Pittsburgh, Allegheny County to audit steam heat provider

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The Pittsburgh and Allegheny County controllers said they'll jointly review a steam-purchasing contract to determine whether it's a good deal for taxpayers.

The city and county purchase steam from a cooperative called Pittsburgh Allegheny County Thermal Ltd.

"People know energy rates are low because, as consumers, they're getting offers to change providers for their homes and businesses all the time, so we're also going to look at alternatives to see whether taxpayers can do better," county Controller Chelsa Wagner said in a news release.

The city and county last year paid $2.5 million for steam to heat and cool the courthouse, County Office Building, City-County Building, jail, former morgue and Municipal Courts Building, the controllers said in a statement this morning.

The parties' contract with Pittsburgh Allegheny County Thermal expires June 30.

"Our objective is to find the best deal for city and county taxpayers," city Controller Michael Lamb said in the release.